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Thinking about the unthinkable...Selling the E28

I'm begining to try on the idea of selling my e28 M-5. We've had the car since new and, to date, it has a fewer than 65,000 miles on the ODO. While it saw mild but somewhat frequent use in the early days, it was never a full on daily driver. During the past dozen years or so, I've logged fewer than 3,000 miles a year.

The car is "box-stock". It has been well maintained throughout it's life and is in very good condition overall. It is not, however, a concours car. The paint is great, the rims are outstanding, the interior is very good, though not "new car" fresh. At 20 feet it's unbelievable...at 5 feet it's really, really good. And, upon [Oops!] inspection one will see that it's a great example of a 20 year old car that has been driven, but has always been treated with respect.

Mechanically it has had a new OEM exhaust and all rubber replaced within the past 3 years. As well, the A/C was converted and blows cold. Brakes have been upgraded to 540s. The only "issues" is that someone stripped the oil plug on the oil pan. It has been professionally replaced but still leaks from the nut slightly.

Books and Records: Unfortunately, during an office move, I managed to misplace some of my files. I have some paperwork on the car and virtually everything that's been done (Motor Works West in New Jersey) in the past 5 years.

If I were to somehow wrap my mind around selling, what do you all think I should be asking as a "realistic" price to a fellow enthusiast?

Wow, that's a tough one.

I would have to say with the ultra low miles, and I assume no rust at all anywhere, it's a $20-25k car. People may give you grief if the timing chain components are not updated, but that's only a $1500-1800 job for a good shop. You should take it to an expert detailer to clean it inside and out (engine bay too) before you post pictures/put it up for sale. It's amazing what a good detailing can do for a car.

Good Luck, you will never find as soulful a replacement,
Bob K.88 ///M5 2875369, RIP

Re: Wow, that's a tough one.

Bob -

Thanks for the thoughts. I'm truly on the home side of the fence on this one. Can't really think of a reason to sell other than I don't get nearly the use of this car that I feel I should. It doesn't really cost me much to own, so the motivation to sell in diminis. We'll see...My daily driver is an '07 Volvo V70R. It's a great car and especially for the price...300 HP, AWD, 26 mpg on the highway and, like the M5, it's a sleeper. But, for all it has going for it, nothing matches the feel of the 5. We'll see what happens...after spring arrives.
Cheers,

Re: Wow, that's a tough one.

I have had my car since new too w/ over 237K miles. IMO, if the car is not causing you any financial stress, you should keep it. I kept my car in the dark days of unemployment and near bankruptcy in the 90's. It was the only thing that was constant and positive in my life back then. To this date I can not imagine any other car that can replace it with. As far as the BB value....you may get low balled by all except a seriously wealthy collector. Someone in another forum stated M5's can be bought as cheap as $4K now and w/ another $15k liquid cash, it can get a rebuilt engine with some money left for other mechanical/cosmetic improvements. I agreed. Search your soul and if the M5 does not suit your life then by all means let someone else DRIVE and Enjoy it! I'm sure they will appreciate the care you have given it. Good luck

Re: Wow, that's a tough one.

Ian, do you still have this car? When are you putting it up for sale? I just saw the post. If you still have it, do us the favour of seeing it (pics) first before you put it up. I am looking for a real sound M5 E28 and would love have a try. Ragrads.

Re: Wow, that's a tough one.

I have a 1988 E28 M5 for sale

Check it out at http://www.ezweb.net/bmw/

On the website you will find photos and a detailed description of the car.

Below is a basic summary of the car:

. Jaw dropping list of mods including a 3.6 Liter 315 hp engine from a Euro E34 M5 & Dinan Stage 4 suspension
• 87,617miles (about 20K less on the engine)
• A pure expression of understated power and elegance this M5 is fast enough to race, while just tame enough to drive to work.
• The E28 M5 at its launch was the fastest production sedan in the world. The 260 hp S38 B35 engine in the North American spec E28 M5 could achieve 0-60 in 6.5 seconds. The 286 hp M88 engine in the Euro spec E28 M5 could race from zero to sixty in just 6.2 seconds. This M5, with the 315 hp S38 B36 Euro spec E35 M5 engine, could easily best those numbers.
• While the engine specs and horsepower numbers are impressive, the real beauty in this M5 is the driving. The way it hugs the road, the feedback it gives, and how it yearns to be downshifted into a corner for a pass.
• The E28 M5 is rare: Hand built at a total production of only 2,180 units, of which only 1,235 were imported to the US.
• Exterior and interior in good condition with moderate imperfections.
• Extensive receipts showing maintenance and repair of faulty items.
• CarFax report available.
• Selling because I would like to invest the $ into a house I am building.
• Want to sell my M5 to someone who will love and enjoy it as I have.

$15k with that motor?? What a STEAL!!!!

I thought the engine conversion alone cost more than that with all the custom tank work and plumbing required. The only thing that car needs is the Euro headlights to be complete. Someone (Andy from Boston??) should snatch that thing up quick.

Re: Thinking about the unthinkable...Selling the E28

Hey i have had the same question. about price and even should i sell.
here is what my E28 M5 stats are.

All stock except B&B Cat Back.
2 sets of wheels. Stock bbs w/ new P6000 (in storage/ perfect cond)
second set Style #32 540i 17s with new tires
Dinan chip from new
Optional Fuz buster (in dash/ airdam)
80,145 miles
Stock BMW and Alpine head units
Never tracked, raced, ragged out, or Divers ed days
Near perfect original Natural Interior no tears or rough threads. leather is still baby soft. no cracks at all .heated seats, ac, everything works
Absolutely georgious paint and ext.
All original except exhaust and second set or wheels.
Self leveling rear shocks work perfectly.
Absolutely everything works perfect and looks the part other than head rest are stuck down (but motors work with switches).

I litterally looked 5 years for this car and in the past 3 years have put 12,146 miles on it with nothing at all going wrong. It is the closest to perfect E28 i have ever seen. I am the second owner, other than a guy who bought it for 2 weeks for a track car then sold it to me bc it was way to nice to track.

I am new to Road fly and have some picks but am not sure where to post yet. I am detailing it this weekend and hope to have more picks.